Hello everyone, welcome back to another installment of my Oldham story! We were flying after a brilliant set of results in January, we had just four games to play in February, we wanted to win all of them.
The first game was against struggling Watford, they had little confidence going into the game, they were down in 23rd place. They showed how badly they were playing, in the 3rd minute we were ahead when Febian Brandy placed a shot in. After that it was the Brandy show, Watford had no answer to his brilliant performance, he went on to bag a marvellous hat trick. Two good goals from Adeilson and one from Marco Verratti compounded Watford’s misery and gave us our biggest win yet.
Next up we welcomed the visit of Southampton, unlike us they haven’t adapted well to the Championship and they were struggling near the relegation zone. However, they started well and looked solid at the back, we were the better side but couldn’t break them down. It took us until the 56th minute to break the deadlock, that man Febian Brandy popped up again to slot us into the lead. It was 2-0 and as good as over when Deane Smalley smashed in past the keeper, although there was time for Southampton to pull one back, it didn’t matter, we had won.
The next game was also against a struggling side, this time Leeds came to Boundary Park. We were dominant throughout the first half and we went ahead just before the break, Adeilson continued his good start by turning and smashing the ball into the back of the net. It looked all over when Adeilson blasted in his second, but when Leeds got one back I began to get worried. Indeed, deep in injury time we conceded a sloppy goal from a corner, from a comfortable position we had suddenly dropped two points, I was very disappointed about that.
The final game of the month was sure to be difficult, we had a tough trip to second placed Reading to play. The game started with Reading on top but we looked very dangerous on the counter attack. That paid off in the 18th minute, Chris Taylor got to the byeline and crossed for Smalley who volleyed in. The match continued in much the same way, Reading had some chances but didn’t take them. We punished them for that in the 35thminute, Brandy placed a shot past the goal keeper after running on to a through ball. After half time it was very similar, Reading got more and more desperate and our defence finally cracked with5 minutes to go. It made the final few minutes pretty nervy, thankfully the players didn’t feel them and we held on for a great win. I have been very pleased with our performance against the big teams this season, once again we had far less attempts, but what matters is that we took them.
After that short but good month we have opened up a huge 14 point lead at the top of the table. I am delighted, we will surely go up now.
We have just four games to play next month, they will all be difficult, we will have to be at our best in March.
That’s that then, that’s all for now, just a short update there, we edge nearer and nearer to promotion!
Thanks for reading everybody.
Joseph
27 апреля, 2010 at 20:25
I’m sure you must be champions, I really can’t see you slip up now! I assume when it says ‘Brandy ran on to a through ball’ the pass was from Verratti??!! Btw what role do you employ for Verratti, I’m wondering how to get the best out of him? Thanks
Laxeyman
27 апреля, 2010 at 20:48
@Joseph, I think it was from Verratti, it probably was. I use him as an advanced playmaker with the support setting. Becuase I have a holding midfielder behind him it gives him license to be creative. Hope that works for you.
Ana Garcia
27 апреля, 2010 at 21:28
Well done!
Promotion looks a real possibility and provided you keep your players focused then you will make it.
Good luck for the remainder of the season!
Laxeyman
27 апреля, 2010 at 21:34
@Ana, thanks, it would be a disaster if we didn’t get promoted this season.
Johnny Karp
27 апреля, 2010 at 21:49
Open up the champagne, Oldham are going to upset the big boys next season! Well done Laxeyman, you really have a very promising squad there with a bright future ahead.
Kevin Mayo
27 апреля, 2010 at 21:59
Hi Laxeyman
That’s a huge lead that you’ve established over the opposition. You really are getting the best out of Brandy. By the way what is his composure attribute rating? Anyway, great job.
Laxeyman
27 апреля, 2010 at 23:16
@ Johnny, thanks, I hope the future’s as good as the present!
@ Kevin, his composure attribute has just gone up to 12, but I think it was only 10 at the start of the first season.
Majk
27 апреля, 2010 at 23:28
You’re soaring Laxeyman!
I’m impressed with your tactic and the effectiveness it brings you. Especially from Verratti and Brandy. How’s your defence looking and what’s the key to its strengths.. is it the overall grip your tactic gives you or is the holding midfielder anchoring the defence, or is it just perfect partnership from the central defenders? :)
Kevin Mayo
27 апреля, 2010 at 23:29
Hi Laxeyman
Thanks for the response
Brandy was only 8 on my game so he missed a lot. Doing great for you though.
warren
27 апреля, 2010 at 23:38
Like I have said before you seem to have won the league and you are on course to get 100+ points. Great win against Watford as well.
warren
Lye
28 апреля, 2010 at 03:24
Hi Laxeyman, what more can i say? Although its too early to celebrate, but i can’t possibly see other teams catching up with you. Veratti and Brandy are on song for your team and probably you have a chance to break the points and goals record in the championship? Well done and see you in Old Trafford, Anfield, Emirate stadium and Stamford Bridge soon :)
Laxeyman
28 апреля, 2010 at 09:43
@Majk, I think it’s a combination of the holding midfielder and two excellent centre backs, they are both very strong, good in the air and they have perfect timing in the tackle.
@warren, thanks mate.
@Lye, thanks, I can’t wait!